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Rock hit my windshield! Can it be fixed or new windshield?
- Thread starter borijess3
- Start date
Usually when there is a chip that size, it can be repaired so long as it isn't in your direct line of site. If your have glass insurance, it won't cost anything. I have 3 or 4 in my Roadster and probably one in the Model 3.
XLR82XS
D M C
No vehicle is a "magnet" for paint/glass damage - they all are susceptible to damage when driven. Tesla, however, is using glass that is more prone to damage compared to other vehicles.
Puddles
Member
Yea I’m pretty bummed since I just had the same thing happen to me. Going to get it repaired on Thursday since it’s free through my insurance but not sure how bad it will look afterwards.
Thankfully it’s mostly out of my line of sight but a Tesla tech told me that in some states (like california(?)) if there are any chips/cracks on the driver side, it automatically has to be replaced instead of being repaired. Thankfully Washington doesn’t have that rule.
Thankfully it’s mostly out of my line of sight but a Tesla tech told me that in some states (like california(?)) if there are any chips/cracks on the driver side, it automatically has to be replaced instead of being repaired. Thankfully Washington doesn’t have that rule.
Looks repairable to me. If it’s about the diameter of a quarter or so, you can get DIY repair kits at any auto parts stores. They are easy to use and I’ve had great success in several vehicles. Just follow the instructions, as they say, and you will hardly notice when it’s done. However, if you have an auto glass repair shop nearby, they do excellent work and I think they can repair larger cracks. Don’t forget to ask them for a discount too; the place near me gives a 10% discount just for asking. It’s even on their website.
Puddles
Member
I would be skeptical that a Tesla tech would be well familiarized with all the california vehicle codes. As written, there appears to be enough room for interpretation to drive a Gigafactory through, and there's no "automatic replacement" clause that I can see. I doubt anyone would think that your crack is enough to obstruct your view.
Given how aerodynamic and low to the ground the nose is, I would guess that the Model 3 gets hit more often than other vehicles. But, the glass itself being more prone to damage seems odd. The mfr is St. Gobain. They make window glass for just about every auto mfr.
JasontheBeaver
Jason Barker
Yes that chip can easily be repaired by a professional. Although more pictures would've been helpful. KIDDING! lol
The first priority of any repair is to prevent the break from spreading into a larger crack. Any reputable shop will guarantee that from happening for the life of the windshield.
Second priority is the appearance after the repair. The sooner you get it repaired the better! And don't just go with the cheapest shop, reputation is important is you want a good looking repair. But also know that even the best repair technician is at the mercy or what the glass will allow him/her to achieve.
I'm in Oregon so I only know the applicable laws here, but as far as the "we can't repair a chip if it's in driver's line of sight" thing... that's just a line that glass repair shops use to upsell you and earn more money. This is because it's FAR more profitable for them to replace a windshield than the $60-$100 to repair it. They do this under the guise of "safety", but here in Oregon anyway you can get your chip repaired anywhere on the windshield as long as the repair is done reasonably well.
The first priority of any repair is to prevent the break from spreading into a larger crack. Any reputable shop will guarantee that from happening for the life of the windshield.
Second priority is the appearance after the repair. The sooner you get it repaired the better! And don't just go with the cheapest shop, reputation is important is you want a good looking repair. But also know that even the best repair technician is at the mercy or what the glass will allow him/her to achieve.
I'm in Oregon so I only know the applicable laws here, but as far as the "we can't repair a chip if it's in driver's line of sight" thing... that's just a line that glass repair shops use to upsell you and earn more money. This is because it's FAR more profitable for them to replace a windshield than the $60-$100 to repair it. They do this under the guise of "safety", but here in Oregon anyway you can get your chip repaired anywhere on the windshield as long as the repair is done reasonably well.
Uncle Paul
Well-Known Member
OP could get "free" insurance paid repair. It it is not up to his standards or it does not hold, then he can have the windshield replaced and pay his deductable.
The Model 3 windshield does appears to be more prone to rock chip damage compare to my previous cars, I drive the same route for the past 5 years and after owning the Model 3 for 4 months it's already gotten over 20 chips and dings. Luckily only two are larger chips (one star and one bullseye, both smaller than what OP got), both I was able to repair with a kit bought on Amazon, I also used the kit to "fill in" the other 18 or 19 dings. I now keep one repair kit in my garage so as soon as a ding happens I'll fill it in immediately.
Not sure if it really helps -
C-bond Nanoshield (windshield sealant) 1 year review
I’ve had to replace the windshield in our 3. Chip right in drivers vision. Also had to replace the glass in our Acura and BMW over the years.
C-bond Nanoshield (windshield sealant) 1 year review
I’ve had to replace the windshield in our 3. Chip right in drivers vision. Also had to replace the glass in our Acura and BMW over the years.
joebruin77
Active Member
After you get your windshield repaired, if you want to increase your protection against future rock chips, check out this windshield protective film:
ClearPlex: Optically-Clear Windshield Protection Film - Madico
My PPF installer sells this. I have not personally used it, but if I were concerned about rock chips, I would look into it.
ClearPlex: Optically-Clear Windshield Protection Film - Madico
My PPF installer sells this. I have not personally used it, but if I were concerned about rock chips, I would look into it.
i had a similar looking chip like that on another car. the official dealership did an epoxy-fill repair. the repair was very visible afterwards, so it was an eyesore.
if this thing is in your line of sight (looks too low to be), then you might consider paying out (the deductible?) for a replacement.
if this thing is in your line of sight (looks too low to be), then you might consider paying out (the deductible?) for a replacement.
No source because it isn't true. Teslas tend to be driven more than other vehicles and often a bit more enthusiastically. However, construction areas, passing trucks with gravel or almost anything, some pebble that is thrown by a passing car; so many possibilities.
Luckily small chips can be quickly and easily repaired in any reputable glass shop. I have ended out with small chips on most of my cars, always with decent repairs at low cost.
